RV upkeep is an essential part of owning an RV. With this practical RV maintenance list, you can break down each of the tasks into manageable steps.
Keeping on top of your camper maintenance will extend the life of your RV, and will reduce the chance of any gremlins ending your trip early.
You’ll also find a printable PDF checklist of this list below.
RV Maintenance List
This list may seem pretty comprehensive, but don’t let it overwhelm you.
Most checks are just eyeballing things to make sure nothing is amiss, so although there may seem a lot to get through, it generally doesn’t take as long as you may think.
I’ve broken it down into sections :
I’ll look briefly at each of the tasks here, and if you like, you can print it off as a handy checklist.
Obviously some checks only apply to certain types of RVs.
Download this list as a printable PDF.
RV Maintenance Checklist (PDF)Before Every Trip
Check tires for damage and check air pressure.
Look for cracking, uneven wear, or anything stuck in the tread; check the tires are inflated to the recommended PSI. Getting an RV tire pressure monitoring system is a good idea.
Check brake lights, turn signals, and headlights.
Test all your lights. If you’re towing, check the lights on both vehicles.
Check engine oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid.
Top up or change any fluids if needed.
(If Towing) Test trailer brake controller and breakaway switch.
Test your trailer brakes and make sure the breakaway cable engages the brakes when pulled. (Do a quick stop test in a safe place before hitting the highway).
Make sure everything is secured in the RV.
Pack anything loose away, make sure interior doors are closed and secure.
Check propane levels and propane connections for leaks.
Make sure you have enough propane for the trip and all propane connections are tight. Do the soapy water test – wipe 50/50 water and dish soap on the connections. (Make sure propane is off before traveling).
Close all roof vents, windows, and doors.
Make sure everything that can open to the exterior is closed and latched.
Monthly
Clean A/C filters and inspect all vents.
Remove and wash filters to keep good airflow. Try this RV AC hack for more efficiency.
Run generator for 20 minutes. (If you have one)
If you let petrol sit for too long it will start to gum up fuel lines and carburettors. Running your generator will move some fuel through the system.
Check seals and seams for cracks or gaps.
Check around windows, doors, roof seams, and slide outs for signs of wear.
Apply RV sealant if it needs it.
Oil slide outs and hinges.
Check your handbook and use the recommended lubricants on rails moving parts and hinges. (Don’t overdo it, too much lubricant will attract dirt and grime).
Check battery and connections.
Make sure your battery terminals are clean and all your cable connections are tight.
Every 2-3 Months
Clean and flush holding tanks.
Flush out black and gray tanks with tank flush to remove buildup and smells.
(Add odor treatments after flushing).
Inspect tires.
Check wear patterns and rotate tires to extend the life of your tires.
Check wheel lug nuts.
Check the torque with a torque wrench. (Don’t guess it!).
Inspect trailer brakes and wheel bearings.
Check for wear or looseness and listen for grinding noises.
Test fire extinguishers and smoke/CO detectors.
Test all your detectors and replace any batteries once a year.
Check awnings and slide out toppers for wear.
Clean the awning fabric and check awning arms and springs for wear.
Wash and wax RV exterior.
Clean outside of the RV and apply wax or protectant.
Every 6 Months
Lubricate all hinges and latches.
Apply lithium grease to hinges and latches. Try to avoid WD40, it runs and it’s not as good as lithium grease as a long term lubricant.
Flush and clean hot water heater.
Drain the tank and flush it to remove sediment. Also inspect or replace the anode rod if it’s more than 50% depleted.
Check and clean black and gray tank gate valves.
Open and close the valves several times and oil them with WD40 to keep them moving properly.
Yearly Maintenance
Check U-bolts and spring hangers. (Suspension components)
Check for rust, shifting or wear. This video will show you exactly where to look.
Deep clean and condition all seals and gaskets.
Wash seals around your windows, doors, and slide-outs, then apply 303 Aerospace Protectant or a similar UV protector. (Prectants work better when applied in warm weather).
Check your owner’s manual for recommended yearly maintenance.
Check your brand’s RV manual for any specific maintenance needed.
Fifth Wheel Maintenance
Check kingpin and fifth wheel hitch.
Check the kingpin for wear, rust, or damage. Also check the jaws on your truck’s hitch. Lubricate both with fifth wheel grease.
Check pin box bolts and welds.
Look for any loose bolts, rust, or stress cracks on the welds where the pin box attaches to the RV frame. If you see cracking on the welds, get them inspected professionally.
Check truck hitch mounting points.
Look underneath the truck bed and make sure all mounting points are free of rust and mounting brackets are tight.
Check and lubricate front jacks.
Clean and lubricate the landing gear with a silicone spray or what the manufacturer recommends.
Download this list as a printable PDF.
RV Maintenance Checklist (PDF)As stated before, some of these tasks won’t apply to your RV, but this RV maintenance list should cover most tasks needed in your general all round RV upkeep.
